Editorial

The Ink Industry and drupa 2012

By David Savastano, Ink World Editor | August 6, 2012

Every four years, the printing industry converges on Messe Dusseldorf in Dusseldorf, Germany, for drupa. The two-week show, which covers 19 halls, showcases the latest innovations for the printing industry, including inks, presses and so much more. Without a doubt, the continued emergence of digital technologies was the highlight again this year.

More than 310,000 attendees came to drupa 2012 to see what is new for the printing industry. In particular, the presentation by Benny Landa of Landa Corporation drew the most attention, as he introduced his new Nanography technology, using his NanoInks, during the trade show. European Editor Sean Milmo discusses Nanography in his article on digital technology.

While a few of the largest ink companies passed on having booths at this year’s drupa, many ink manufacturers were on hand to show their latest innovations. In my drupa 2012 review, which begins on page 80, ink industry leaders offered their thoughts on drupa 2012 as well as their new technologies.

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On a personal note, I am honored to welcome Geoff Peters, president and CEO for Wikoff Color, and James La Rocca, Superior Printing Ink’s chief operating officer, to our Editorial Advisory Board.

Mr. Peters joined Wikoff Color in 2006 as its vice president – operations and technology, and was promoted to president and COO in September 2007. He became president and CEO in 2010. Prior to joining Wikoff, Mr. Peters spent 19 years in global logistics, the majority of which was at Sea-Land Services, where he ran the company’s $1 billion European division, as well as an additional five years working in the integrated supply industries.

Mr. La Rocca recently began his 44th year at Superior Printing Ink, beginning as a lab trainee and progressing through R&D, branch manager, regional manager and vice president of sales and operations before being named COO.

Ink World relies heavily on our Editorial Advisory Board for advice, and with Mr. Peters’ and Mr. La Rocca’s expertise, we will continue to provide our readers with the most comprehensive information on the ink industry during these changing times.